Warwickshire councillors are to consider calls for tougher restrictions on fireworks.

They are being asked to back the new national Fireworks Act 2003 which comes into effect this year.

But a former mayor of Kenilworth is calling for even more extra restrictions on their sale and use.

He said there had to be a balance between those who want to enjoy them and others who want a quiet night.

Cllr Dave Shilton (LibDem, Kenilworth Park Hill) said: ?Kenilworth is no better or worse than Warwick or Leamington, or rest of the county. But people have had enough.

?It is not just fireworks night any more and it is getting worse every year. They were being set off here at 2am this week, before New Year?s Eve. Now what is all that about??

His motion, going before Warwick District Council on Wednesday, calls for the licensing of all public and private shows, plus licensing of shops selling fireworks.

It also says there must be no fireworks set off between 11pm and 7am, except for New Year, Diwali and the Chinese New Year, that the noise level must not rise above 95 decibels, and no one under 18 should be allowed to use or possess fireworks at any time.

Cllr Shilton said: ?I personally would like to see it taken further and have all back garden firework shows stopped and just keep to official ones, but that is jut a personal view.

?I don?t want to be a killjoy, but we are having these set off at all hours of the day and night. It is not just upsetting for people who are woken or disturbed, animals can be seriously distressed by all the noise.

?The time has come for something to be done.?

Rugby borough councillor Ron Ravenhall (Lib Dem, Dunchurch and Knightlow), who spoke out against fireworks being set off late at night last year, said he would support any move to toughen rules governing displays and purchasing.

He said: ?I do not think there can be rules stringent enough for fireworks.

?They cause a great many people injury and upset - I have been woken at 3am by calls from people at their wits? end because the bangs are still going on.

?It is all very well having them on Bonfire Night but lately they start two weeks before and it does not calm down until three weeks later.?

Measures in the Fireworks Act 2003 will include curfews on firework use and compulsory training for people holding public displays.

There will also be a stricter licensing system for fireworks suppliers.

Children under 18 are already banned from possessing fireworks in a public place.